CHENEY – While ex-Seattle Seahawk tight end Ryan Hannam makes his return to Qwest Field on Saturday, his former team is just starting to look for his replacement.
In March, Hannam signed a four-year, $5 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys, who face Seattle in a preseason game Saturday night. The competition for his roster spot is about as open as any positional battle on the team.
“It’ll be an ongoing process throughout training camp,” tight ends coach Jim Lind said. “Jerramy (Stevens) won’t play this week, so they’re all going to get a chance to play and show what they can do.”
Stevens, who will be held out of Saturday’s game because he’s still rehabilitating from knee surgery, is likely to be the starting tight end this season. Veteran Itula Mili looks like he’ll be the backup.
Beyond that, there are plenty of question marks.
Will Heller, who has caught 15 career passes in three NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins, has been steady but unspectacular at training camp.
Former Houston Texan Matt Murphy has made some receptions but has drawn coach Mike Holmgren’s ire at times while trying to pick up the offense.
NFL Europe player Keith Willis has been fighting the flu, and Mike Gomez, who was on the Seahawks’ practice squad at the end of last season, was released Thursday after suffering a foot injury.
Saturday’s game will be a perfect opportunity for someone in that group to step away from the pack.
“I love games, like everybody else,” said Murphy, who signed with the Seahawks last week. “When it’s preseason, some guys take it lightly, but I don’t. It’s a chance to show what you can do in a game situation so they’ll know what to expect later in the season.”
With Stevens sidelined, the available tight ends should see plenty of action.
“When someone goes out like that, it’s important to take advantage of the opportunities you get,” Heller said. “It’s great to get in there and get reps and learn by repetition.”
Injury report: Holmgren said “12 to 15” players are unlikely to make the trip back to Seattle for Saturday’s game.
Among those are Stevens, wide receiver Darrell Jackson (knee), guard Floyd Womack (hamstring), cornerback Jimmy Williams (ankle), safety Michael Boulware (knee) and defensive tackles Marcus Tubbs (foot) and Rocky Bernard (knee).
Linebacker Isaiah Kacyvenski, who has practiced only one day this week because of a sore quadriceps, also appears unlikely to make the trip.
Holmgren said first-round pick Kelly Jennings, who has been limited by a groin injury during the past two days, is “on the bubble” in terms of whether he will play.
Singing man: While most of the Seahawks plod, with heads down, into the cafeteria every day at lunchtime, fullback Leonard Weaver always has a bounce in his step and a melody to share.
A gospel singer in his spare time, Weaver likes to belt out a tune whenever he needs a little pick-me-up.
“It helps me get my mind off the stress and the mental fatigue and lets me reflect on some things in my life that are going well,” said Weaver, who has also played the piano at training camp.
Teammate Mack Strong said he uses Weaver’s voice to calm him before games. The veteran fullback will request a song, and Weaver always delivers.
“He’s amazing,” Strong said. “But as good a singer as Leonard is, his wife (Senetra) is even better.
“He could be a gospel singer, full-time, as a living if he wanted to. He has an amazing spiritual voice. It’s very uplifting and inspiring when he sings.”
Quick slants: Holmgren said that Chris Spencer will start at left guard Saturday, then slide over to center when Robbie Tobeck comes out of the game. Spencer, the first-round pick in the 2005 draft, is starting in place of Floyd Womack (hamstring). … Linebacker Leroy Hill missed the morning practice with a sore foot but returned to the field in the afternoon. … The release of Gomez left a roster spot that was filled with the addition of guard Jason Murphy, who was claimed off waivers from San Diego. … About 1,000 tickets still remain for Saturday’s game. They can be purchased by calling 1-888-NFL-HAWK.
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